I Pretend I’m Fine, But I’m Not
Every day I wake up and put on a mask — the strong one, the funny one, the one who never gets affected by anything. People think I’m okay because I act like I’m okay. But inside? It’s messy. I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed. I’m pretending. I smile so people won’t start questioning me. I joke so no one notices the heaviness in my voice. I say “I’m good” even when I feel like I’m falling apart from the inside. I don’t want to burden anyone with my problems. Everyone has their own struggles. But sometimes I wish someone would notice without me saying anything. Just a simple “Are you really okay?” might break me in the best way. I’m not fine. But maybe one day I will be.